Depression
What is depression?
A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or washed away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment symptoms can last for two weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
What are some types of depression?
Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses. Listed below are the three most common types of depressive disorders.
· Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.
· Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression that involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.
· Bipolar Disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness) is another type of depression. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual.
Symptoms of Depression and Mania
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and varies over time.
Depression
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and
- chronic pain
Mania
- Abnormal or excessive elation
- Unusual irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Grandiose notions
- Increased talking
- Racing thoughts
- Increased sexual desire
- Markedly increased energy
- Poor judgement Inappropriate social behavior
How to Get Help
If you feel that you may be suffering from depression, help is only a phone call away. To make an appointment with a qualified state-licensed counselor, just dial 863-8010. For non-emergencies, leave your name and telephone number and a counselor will call you within 24 hours to set up an appointment. If you feel immediate assistance is needed, please call the Dean of Students office at 863-8008 and your call will be routed to the appropriate individual.
CSU Counseling Line: Off-campus - 863-8010, On-Campus - Ext. 8010
CSU counseling Services
Joseph Rufus Wofford
Director of Counseling Services
Charleston Southern University
Phone (843) 863-7194
